Your donation helps spark the change that transforms lives, See Special Olympics USA Games in the news. Minnesota to host Special Olympics USA Games in 2026 Roughly 115,000 people are expected to travel to the state for the event, which is projected to bring in $70 million in economic impact. Unleashing leadership potential in people of all abilities. The memoir explores the complex story of the immigrant experience. Empowering Youth Leaders, educators, coaches, and families to build inclusive schools and communities for all. Striggow is now a defensive end on the Gopher football team. Eric Granstrom, from the NCW Life Channel, for the 14th year running, emceed the event, announcing each team as they . Special Olympics Minnesota athletes and coaches hit the runway Saturday morning to make their way to Orlando for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 (host city TBD), Special Olympics USA Games 2026 (host city TBD), Special Olympics World Games (host city TBD). 2022 Special Olympics USA Games launch first-of-its-kind app with AWS Written by Amazon Staff 2 min June 7, 2022 A new app celebrates Special Olympic athletes and brings sports fans, coaches, and communities together for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. In addition, Special Olympics board member and UnitedHealth Group executive Adam Hjerpe will serve as the Board Chair for the Games. 31 July 6 August 2022 in Detroit, MI USA. The Opening Ceremony took place on July 1 at Husky Stadium and included a 2,000-person choir and musical performances from Ann Wilson and Charlie Puth. Special Olympics USA Minnesota has been named as the host of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Since then, ESPN has added year-round news and feature coverage of Special Olympics, its athletes, community, and culture. [21], The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games were held in Seattle, Washington from July 16, 2018. You could hear the cheers from every corner of Whitefish Mountain Resort on Wednesday as the Special Olympics Glacier Area Winter Games got underway. Her friend and fellow Orono High School student athlete Jenna Perkins is honorary chair of the Twin Cities event. "I'm incredibly proud to host this event in Minnesota," Walz said. We look forward to seeing everyone out in the community supporting these athletes as they pursue their goals at the highest levels of competition.. Athletes . The event is expected to draw around 4,000 athletes and tens of thousands of fans,. Sovereign is a former Special Olympics Minnesota board member and an active volunteer for the organization. EIN #41-1228157 Hosting the USA Special Olympics Games emphasizes our commitment to creating a state where everyone can participate in athletic competition and pursue their goals at the highest level., The Games will be comprised of 15 Olympic-type team and individual sports, as well as five demonstration sports. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org. WE ARE SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA. Lincoln, Nebraska hosted the Games, July 1823. Local people who are spending money for tickets, food and beverages would spend it elsewhere in Minnesota if the Special Olympics were not in town, he said. The good thing about it is when you travel to Orlando or some place, you can only take a finite number of people with you, he said. The Special Olympics describes its mission as providing year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, "giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skill and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community.". In many ways, Special Olympics represents all that is great about sports., The longstanding partnership between Special Olympics and ESPN goes beyond just broadcasting, said Mary Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics. FanSided Takes an in Depth Look at Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Programs, Timothy Shriver and Edwin Moses Discuss the History between Special Olympics and Laureus Sport for Good, Find job opportunities with Special Olympics. The USA Games, which is hosted every four years, will mark the largest multi-sport sporting event in Florida history. Theres no denying it: Clingman is in his element whenever sports are involved. . Sign up to receive the latest news leading up to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. In June 2026, Minnesota will host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games which will feature 4,000 athletes competing in 19 sports in venues at the University of Minnesota and other premier locations across the Twin Cities. The initiative was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding and is an example of the power of inclusion. The use of the sports complex is part of Disneys multi-faceted support of the Special Olympics movement, which also includes additional sponsorship and in-kind support for the USA Games, Presenting Partner for the Volunteer Program and ESPNs role as the Global Presenting Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports. The most recent Special Olympics USA Games were held in Orlando, FL from June 5-12, 2022. Sovereign is a former Special Olympics Minnesota board member and an active volunteer for the organization. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Figure Skating, Mike Pratt and Jim McKenna: Lake Placids Rebirth as a Winter Sports Destination. Special Olympics USA games coming to Twin Cities in 2026 The event is expected to draw 4,000 athletes and 75,000 fans. Competition is offered in 21 Olympic-type sports and three emerging sports for athletes eight years or older. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minnesota will host the Special Olympics USA Games in June 2026. . Sargent Shriver International Global Messengers, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Laureus Expands Support of Special Olympics Movement, Radicalmedia Partners with Dale Moss & Special Olympics on The Best Of Us: Extraordinary Champions Docuseries Following Athletes Journeys to 2023 Berlin World Games, Audacy Partners with Special Olympics and JRSportBrief Productions For Launch Of Agents Of Inclusion Podcast, Special Olympics Delegates Champion for Inclusion and Need for Critical Funding on Capitol Hill, FanSided and Special Olympics Host First-Ever Unified Reporting Team at Super Bowl Media Row, Find job opportunities with Special Olympics, Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebration, will host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, Pittsburgh Steelers Joe Haden Finds Inspiration at World Games, ESPN to be Global Broadcast Partner for Special Olympics World Games, World Winter Games and USA Games through 2027, ESPN continues as Global Presenting Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports; Since collaboration began, participation up 172%, coaches certified up 464%, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World will host 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. The athlete-led podcast wants to know: what does inclusion mean to you? June 2026! I think Ill be so happy to watch them and support them, Libby said. South St. Paul author, storyteller and archivist, died Feb. 16 after an accident at home. Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and our blog on Medium. . Tim Walz announced the news late Friday morning at the University of Minnesota, saying the 2026 games . Walz said it will be the single largest sporting event to take place in the United States in 2026 and will showcase the state's commitment to inclusion and show "that every single person can thrive.". Sports bring people together. Donate Now Call Us: 502-695-8222 E-Mail: soky@soky.org About General Information Mission Staff/Contact SOKY SOKY Calendar Work at SOKY Current Job Postings SOKY Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy Walz said athletes from all 50 States, Canada and the Caribbean will participate in 20 sports during the games,. We look forward to seeing everyone out in the community supporting these athletes as they pursue their goals at the highest levels of competition.. See results from the 2022 Berlin National Games. A peaceful campaign to end discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring together 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states. Olympics Minnesota to host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Gov. The state officially won the bid to host the event, which is expected to bring as many as 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans from all 50 states, Canada and the Caribbean to the Twin Cities. There will be some benefit to hotel and restaurant workers, he said. Tim Walz and University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel. Orlando, FL, USA June 16-25 2023 Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. To stay up to date on the 2026 USA Games or to get involved locally, follow Special Olympics Minnesota on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. Since then, ESPN and Special Olympics have continued to raise the bar for coverage signature events at Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017, 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, and Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. We have a long history with Special Olympics and support the Games vision of inclusion. The Special Olympics USA Games unite athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean for a multi-day Olympic style event featuring a variety of sports. The Special Olympics exists in every corner of the globe and has supported over five million athletes. In the past year alone, ESPN presented 40 short films showcasing our athletes, coaches, parents, and other game changers. The USA Games featured 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and The Caribbean. Im excited that theyre going to come here and have so much fun. The 2026 games will include 15 Olympic-type team and individual sports and five demonstration sports. It is part of the global Special Olympics movement. [10] Competitions were held in 24 sports. For Special Olympics athletes, one of those reasons is the love of sport. Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics provides year-round training in Olympic based sports and is based in 204 countries. 900 2nd Avenue S, Suite 300Minneapolis, MN 55402, Special Olympics USA Games (@specialolympicsusagames) Instagram photos and videos. ORLANDO, Fla., June 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last week, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, presented by Jersey Mike's Subs, welcomed 5,500 Special Olympics athletes and coaches to. 23 support staff. Athletes from M. Hear about Special Olympics impact from around the world. Shes looking forward to 2026. UnitedHealth Group will play a key role in making the Games a success and by leaving a lasting impact on inclusive health in Minnesota. Thousands of athletes, families and fans will attend the games in June 2026. 2023 FOX Television Stations, from SUN 9:00 AM CST until MON 12:00 PM CST, Traverse County, from SUN 6:00 PM CST until MON 3:00 PM CST, Crow Wing County, Douglas County, East Becker County, East Otter Tail County, Grant County, Hubbard County, Kanabec County, Mahnomen County, Mille Lacs County, Morrison County, North Cass County, Northern Aitkin County, South Aitkin County, South Cass County, South Clearwater County, Todd County, Wadena County, West Becker County, West Otter Tail County, from SUN 12:00 PM CST until MON 12:00 PM CST, Clay County, Norman County, Wilkin County, from SUN 6:00 PM CST until MON 6:00 PM CST, Carlton/South St. Louis Counties, Pine County, Southern Lake/North Shore, Burnett County, Douglas County, Washburn County. UnitedHealth Group is the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcares chief executive officer, will serve alongside Gabel as honorary co-chair for the Games. We were able to celebrate this historic, ground breaking delegation by providing the opportunity for athletes, Unified partners, and coaches to share the experience with family and friends! The Business Journals Select a City Hear about Special Olympics impact from around the world. 96 Special Olympics athletes. Two states were finalists in the bid to host the 2026 Special Olympics USA games, said Katie Howlett, a spokeswoman for Special Olympics Minnesota. 2022 Fall Festival a huge success! On behalf of the more than 340,000 employees from UnitedHealth Group, we are thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of the 2026 USA Games right here in our hometown, Thompson said. Located within the boundaries of Wasatch Mountain, The Huntsman Center at the University of Utah camp, More than 40,000 people attended the Colorado high, The @usafencing Junior Olympics are being staged a, @usaartisticswimming @usawrestling @chsaa #wrestli, Former NFL All-Pro Jared Allen just missed out on. Competitions will be held at the University of Minnesota and additional Twin Cities venues. I always felt most comfortable in sports competition, it was my escape, my first love and a way to prove myself. In June 2026, the Twin Cities will host as many as 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans from all 50 states, parts of Canada and the Caribbean. Increased Unified Sports athlete and teammate participation by 172% since 2013, to nearly 1,815,000 as of 2019 (Adding nearly 1.15 million participants in 6 years); Increased the number of Special Olympics Unified Sports coaches by 464%, to nearly 119,000 coaches (adding nearly 98,000 in 6 years); Increased overall global sponsorship revenue associated with Special Olympics Unified Sports by 300% in 6 years. Winter Games. How WWE superstar Becky Lynch found a way to top . Joining Hjerpe on the Executive Board will be Dave Dorn, CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota and Wendy Williams Blackshaw, CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events. Gov. Empowering Youth Leaders, educators, coaches, and families to build inclusive schools and communities for all. MPR News - Twin Cities wins 2026 Special Olympics USA games, Gobert leads Timberwolves past Lakers despite Davis' 38, Walleye fishing on Mille Lacs to stay open all summer, Minnesota's Whalen resigns after 3rd straight losing season. ESPNs coverage of major Special Olympics events will continue to reach fans around the world via ESPN and Disney networks and media platforms in North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe and the Middle East. World photo/Loren Benoit. Much like other large-scale sporting events, a competitive bid process was conducted to select a host site that has the infrastructure, resources and active community support needed to operate a successful Games. Its a very fun opportunity [to continue the] inclusion revolution,Perkins said. We all have reasons to shine. To stay up to date on the 2026 USA Games or to get involved locally, please visit Special Olympics Minnesotas website at somn.org and follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. Today the Special Olympics 2026 USA Games Team invited business and influential leaders to learn how to transform lives through inclusion, break down barriers, and celebrate athletes as they pursue their greatest goals. The opening ceremony was held on June 5th at Exploria Stadium and was produced by Disney Live Entertainment featuring performances from Sara Bareilles and others. The athlete-led podcast wants to know: what does inclusion mean to you? Learn more about the power Special Olympics has to make real change around the world. The USA Games are offered every four years. Dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition, Special Olympics Unified Sports brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together to play, train and compete. MINNEAPOLISThousands of athletes and fans will gather in the Twin Cities in June 2026 for the Special Olympics USA games, held every four years in the United . The news, analysis and community conversation found here is funded by donations from individuals. Event . St. Paul offers alerts in four additional languages, but most metro-area cities send out word on parking restrictions only in English. When its held in Minnesota, well be able to have a lot more people participate.. MINNESOTA Minnesota is set to host the Special Olympics in four years time after winning a yearlong competitive bidding process to stage the Games. The games have, historically, generated more than $70 million of economic impact for the host city. Special Olympics Minnesotaand 2 others 1 6 11 Special Olympics USA GamesRetweeted Special Olympics AR @SOArkansas Sep 29 Erik Anderson, left, chats with Darrel Knauss at Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota following a news conference to announce that the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place in the Twin Cities. What's the story behind Minneapolis' smaller houses with huge front yards? 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Boydton, VA Expand search. Athletics. 13.9k Followers, 336 Following, 876 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Special Olympics USA Games (@specialolympicsusagames) 13.9k Followers, 336 Following, 876 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Special Olympics USA Games (@specialolympicsusagames) . The event is expected to draw 4,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, 1,500 coaches and 75,000 fans from across the country, parts of Canada and the Caribbean. Which cities will host in USA, Canada, Mexico? He said, for example, if a visitor from out of state is paying $200 a night for a hotel room, that money goes to the corporate headquarters of the company somewhere else, not Minnesota. Local and international year-round sports training and athletic competitions.